Juicy, tender steak tips drenched in garlic butter paired with creamy, cheesy pasta shells—this is the kind of dinner that turns an ordinary night into something unforgettable. It’s indulgent, hearty, and bursting with flavor in every single bite.
Garlic Butter Steak Tips with Cheesy Shells in Cheddar Sauce
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| For the Garlic Butter Steak Tips: | |
| Sirloin steak tips, cut into bite-sized pieces | 1½ lbs |
| Salt and black pepper | To taste |
| Olive oil | 1 tbsp |
| Unsalted butter | 3 tbsp |
| Garlic, minced | 4 cloves |
| Fresh parsley, chopped (plus more for garnish) | 1 tbsp |
| Red pepper flakes (optional, for heat) | ½ tsp |
| For the Cheesy Shells in Cheddar Sauce: | |
| Medium pasta shells | 8 oz |
| Unsalted butter | 2 tbsp |
| All-purpose flour | 2 tbsp |
| Whole milk, warmed | 2 cups |
| Sharp cheddar cheese, shredded | 1½ cups |
| Dijon mustard (optional, for depth) | ½ tsp |
| Salt and pepper | To taste |
Directions
Cook the Pasta Shells:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta shells and cook until al dente, following the package directions. Drain well and set aside.
Prepare the Cheddar Cheese Sauce:
In a medium saucepan over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Whisk in the flour and cook for about a minute to create a smooth roux. Gradually pour in the warm milk while whisking constantly until the sauce thickens, about 3–4 minutes. Stir in the shredded cheddar cheese and Dijon mustard (if using) until the sauce becomes silky and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then cover and keep warm.
Sear the Steak Tips:
Pat the steak tips dry using paper towels for the best sear. Season generously with salt and black pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the steak tips in batches, avoiding overcrowding the pan. Sear each side for 2–3 minutes until browned and cooked to your desired doneness. Transfer to a plate and set aside.
Make the Garlic Butter:
Reduce the heat to medium. In the same skillet, melt 3 tablespoons of butter. Add minced garlic and cook for about a minute, just until fragrant—be careful not to let it burn. Return the cooked steak tips to the skillet and toss to coat them evenly in the buttery garlic goodness. Sprinkle with chopped parsley and optional red pepper flakes for a little kick.
Assemble and Serve:
Spoon a generous portion of the cheddar-coated shells onto each plate. Top with the sizzling garlic butter steak tips and drizzle over any leftover sauce from the pan. Garnish with extra parsley and a touch of freshly cracked black pepper for that perfect finishing touch.
This meal is pure comfort in a bowl—rich, creamy, and savory with every forkful. Whether you’re making it for a cozy family dinner or an at-home date night, this recipe never disappoints.
